If, like me, you wear a baselayer all year round whatever the weather, the one you choose needs to get on with its job without being noticed. If you finish your ride without once feeling like you've been wearing one under your jersey, then perfect. The Oneten is like this. The polyester fabric is very soft against the skin and with flatlocked seams there is never anything to irritate, even with a tight pair of bib short straps passing over your shoulders.
Oneten describes the baselayer as being a close fit, but even though the chest sizes of the size guide line up with the real world, the fit in the arms and torso is a little loose. This isn't something I'm a massive fan of in a baselayer; I like it to sit really close to the skin.
Despite the looseness, the Oneten's performance at wicking sweat from your body is pretty impressive. Due to its fabric, I'd say when paired with a short sleeve jersey it works well up to about 15°C before getting overwhelmed, although it is helped by the mesh panel that runs under each arm and around the upper back.
Taking a look at the stitching, you can see the Oneten is very well put together, and a good hard tug on the seams doesn't find anything unravel or rip.
As far as value for money goes, you can get quite a few baselayers in this price band, some good, some bad. The Oneten is a good 'un. With its build quality, comfort and performance, I'd say this baselayer is a decent investment for cooler days.
Make and model: Oneten Short Sleeve Base Layer 2016
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Oneten says, "It's in spring and autumn, when the weather is slightly cooler, that the Oneten short sleeved base layer really comes into its own. The technical fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and dries quickly, keeping you warm and comfortable."
It works a lot better than I expected on first impressions.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Oneten:
Lightweight, technical fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and provides warmth
Mesh panels provide optimal ventilation
Flatlocked seams offer excellent comfort, by eliminating chafing
Slim fit, ideal for under your cycling jersey
Fabric: 100% polyester
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for fit:
5/10
Rate the product for sizing:
7/10
Rate the product for weight:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?
A 40 degree wash and tumble drying is an option. No ill effects at all from being washed.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Sweat wicking is good thanks to the mesh inserts.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Softness of the material.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Not quite as close fitting as described on the website.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Possibly
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
For the money this baselayer is very well put together plus it works well in terms of breathability and comfort. The cut isn't exactly close, though, so if you want a more snug fit go down a size.
Age: 37 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: This month's test bike My best bike is: Mason Definition
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed
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